British Museum Red Ball gala met with Parthenon Marbles protests

The British Museum’s annual Red Ball, a high-profile fundraising gala intended to support a major renovation program, was marked by protests regarding the Parthenon Marbles and the institution's corporate sponsors.

Protesters gathered outside the museum gates chanting slogans such as ‘Drop BP’ and ‘Return the Marbles,’ targeting the museum’s sponsorship from BP. Activist George Robertson also drew attention by attending the event wearing a garment with the slogan ‘Return the Marbles.’ Robertson stated that the sculptures should be reunited with the Acropolis Museum in Athens, arguing that the British national museum should reflect modern values rather than perpetuating a legacy of colonial looting.

The presence of Robertson, daughter of legal expert Jeffrey Robertson, continues a long-standing critique of the museum’s stance on the historical acquisition of the marbles.